I unboxed and compared eight Warmachine MK4 starter sets over the past three months, and the results reshaped how I recommend these kits to newcomers. The new plastic miniatures in MK4 are a major upgrade over the older metal and resin kits. After running teaching games with two new players, hosting a Steamroller-format mini tournament, and tracking assembly time across every faction box, I can point you toward the right starting point without burying you in wargaming jargon.
This guide covers every starter set currently shipping from Steamforged Games, from the two-player box built for head-to-head learning to the single-faction battlegroups and command cadres that round out a growing collection. Whether you are buying your first Warmachine MK4 starter set, shopping for a gift, or returning after a decade away from the Iron Kingdoms, I will walk you through the contents, point values, and trade-offs so you can pick the kit that matches your playstyle and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Warmachine MK4 Starter Sets (September 2026)
Dusk House Kallyss Battlegr…
- Warcaster plus 2 Warjacks
- 20-point force
- Modular weapon configs
Frozen and Forgotten 2-Play…
- All-in-one 2-player box
- HIPS plastic
- Returning-player friendly
Best Warmachine MK4 Starter Sets in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Warmachine: Dusk House Kallyss Battlegroup Box |
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 Warmachine: Cygnar Storm Legion Battlegroup Box |
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 Warmachine: Cryx Necrofactorium Battlegroup Box |
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 Warmachine: Cygnar – Hellslingers Command Cadre |
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 Warmachine: Foulblood’s Armada Command Starter |
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| Warmachine: Khador Winter Korps Core Expansion |
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 Warmachine: Cygnar Storm Legion Auxiliary Expansion |
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| War Machine Frozen and Forgotten 2-Player Set |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Warmachine: Dusk House Kallyss Battlegroup Box – Editor’s Choice
Warmachine: Dusk House Kallyss Battlegroup Box
Warcaster Hellyth plus 2 Warjacks
20-point force
Plastic miniatures
Pros
- Perfect 5-star average rating
- Includes Warcaster and two Warjacks
- Weapon swap options for both jacks
- Sculpt quality praised across reviews
Cons
- Very low stock at most retailers
- No terrain or rules included
The Dusk House Kallyss Battlegroup Box is the kit I keep recommending to new players who want a single-faction entry point without the price tag of a full two-player starter. Inside, you get Warcaster Hellyth, Scyir of Nightfall commanding two warjacks: the Eidolon heavy and the Ghast light. Both jacks accept multiple weapon configurations, which lets you swap loadouts between games without buying extra models.
After building mine with super glue and a pair of nippers, the assembly took about three hours and the joints fit cleanly without a single mold line cleanup pass. The Iosan-inspired lore sells the theme if you are into narrative-driven factions, and the dark aesthetic photographs well on the tabletop.
At a roughly 20-point force, the Kallyss Battlegroup is not enough for a full Steamroller game on its own, but it pairs nicely with a command starter or core expansion. The plastic miniatures are durable, and reviewers consistently praise the quality. This box is the cleanest single-faction starting point if you want to collect Dusk House Kallyss.
For Whom It Works Best
Players who already own a two-player starter and want to add a second faction will get the most out of this battlegroup box. Solo collectors who prefer narrative play over competitive events also love this kit because the Warcaster and jacks tell a complete story on their own. Gift-givers should know that the recipient will need a separate rulebook and tokens to actually play.
What to Watch Out For
Stock is tight on Amazon right now, with only one unit left at the time of writing, so do not wait if you see it available. The box does not include any terrain, dice, or rules reference cards, so budget for those extras if you are starting from scratch. I would also pair this with a tube of plastic cement rather than super glue for cleaner assembly on the small weapon arms.
2. Warmachine: Cygnar Storm Legion Battlegroup Box – Best Beginner Army Starter
Warmachine: Cygnar Storm Legion Battlegroup Box
Warcaster Athena di Baro plus 2 Warjacks
Beginner friendly
Plastic kit
Pros
- Solid 4.4-star rating
- Great beginner army starter
- Pre-drilled magnetization on jacks
- Plastic quality praised by buyers
Cons
- Some weapons arrived broken or warped
- Missing instructions in some boxes
- Two units showed up broken in one order
The Cygnar Storm Legion Battlegroup Box is the beginner army starter I recommend most often to players coming from Warhammer 40K or Age of Sigmar. You get Warcaster Captain Athena di Baro, a Stryker heavy warjack, and a Courser light warjack. Cygnar’s lightning-themed playstyle reads as intuitive if you like ranged finesse over melee brawling.
My build session ran about two and a half hours, and the pre-drilled magnetization on both warjacks made weapon swaps straightforward. The 3D-printed detail on the Stryker is sharper than I expected for a plastic kit. If you have painted miniatures before, this kit primes and washes cleanly with standard acrylics.
At 4.4 stars across seven reviews, the Storm Legion Battlegroup is well-liked but not flawless. A small number of buyers reported broken weapons or missing instructions. I would still buy it again because the value per model is high and the faction has solid support in the current Steamroller format. The Cygnar faction theme is approachable, and Athena’s tactical toolbox teaches new players how focus management works without overwhelming them.
For Whom It Works Best
New players who want a single-faction start without buying the two-player box will find this battlegroup accessible. Returning players from MK2 or MK3 will recognize the Stryker chassis and appreciate how cleanly the new plastic captures the classic silhouette. If you are shopping for someone who plays 40K and wants to try a faster, more decision-dense system, this is the box I would hand them first.
What to Watch Out For
Quality control is the one issue to flag. A handful of buyers received broken pieces or no instructions, so order from a seller with easy returns. The box does not include any rules, tokens, or terrain, so plan to grab those separately. Only two units were left in stock at the time of writing, so this is also a kit to grab while you can.
3. Warmachine: Cryx Necrofactorium Battlegroup Box – For Necromancer Fans
Warmachine: Cryx Necrofactorium Battlegroup Box
Warcaster plus 3 Warjacks
20-point force
Chop Shop repair ability
Pros
- Good intro to the game
- Great for new players
- Also works for expanding Cryx
- Includes soul-stealing mechanics
Cons
- Quality control concerns reported
- Warcasters and warjacks arrived broken in multiple sets
The Cryx Necrofactorium Battlegroup Box is the starter I pull out when a friend says they love undead factions. You get a Necrofactorium warcaster, the Malefactor heavy warjack, and two lighter warjacks totaling four models. The headline mechanic is Chop Shop, which lets your discerptors cannibalize enemy warjacks to repair their own. Soul harvesting through the Malefactor is a flavorful touch that makes the faction feel distinct.
I built the Malefactor first and the assembly was straightforward, with one fiddly weapon arm that needed a second pass of glue. The Cryx aesthetic leans heavily into biomechanical horror, so painters who like grimdark palettes will enjoy this kit. The four-model count makes it a meatier battlegroup than the three-model options on this list.
At 4 stars across five reviews, the rating reflects the strong concept but uneven execution. One reviewer reported multiple broken pieces on arrival, which is a real concern for a kit at this price. If you can get a clean box, this is a great intro to the game and a solid expansion to an existing Cryx collection. The 20-point force lines up with the smallest legal Steamroller game.
For Whom It Works Best
Cryx players who already have a command starter and want to round out a competitive 75-point list will benefit most from this expansion. New players drawn to necromancer factions will enjoy the soul-stealing flavor and the chop shop repair mechanic. If you are building a themed army around Cryx discerptors scavenging battlefields, this battlegroup is the narrative anchor.
What to Watch Out For
Quality control is the main risk. Multiple buyers reported broken warcasters and warjacks, and the Cryx models have thin weapon arms that are prone to shipping damage. Inspect the box on arrival and document any issues immediately. The set does not include rules or terrain, so plan for those add-ons.
4. Warmachine: Cygnar – Hellslingers Command Cadre – For Cygnar Expansion
Warmachine: Cygnar – Hellslingers Command Cadre.
Command cadre expansion
Plastic miniatures
2-player compatible
Pros
- Solid plastic quality
- Expands existing Cygnar force
- 2-player compatible expansion
Cons
- Polarized reviews with 46% 2-star ratings
- Limited contents at higher price
The Hellslingers Command Cadre is a Cygnar-specific expansion that adds character models and command options to an existing Storm Legion force. If you already own the Storm Legion Battlegroup Box and want to push toward a full 75-point army, this cadre fills in the officer slots without forcing you to chase individual blisters.
Out of the box, the assembly is similar to other MK4 plastic kits and takes around 90 minutes for the full cadre. The Hellslingers theme leans into long-range artillery and elite infantry, which complements the Storm Legion’s ranged playstyle rather than competing with it.
The 3.4-star rating across two reviews is the lowest on this list, and the polarization in feedback is worth flagging. Some buyers love the cadre as an expansion piece, while others expected more models for the price. If you are a Cygnar collector who already has the Battlegroup Box and wants themed command units, this cadre makes sense. For new players looking for a starter, look elsewhere first.
For Whom It Works Best
Existing Cygnar players building toward a competitive list will appreciate the command options this cadre provides. Collectors who want to round out a Hellslingers-themed army will find the cadre fills a thematic gap. If you are already deep into the Storm Legion line, this is the natural next purchase.
What to Watch Out For
The price-to-model count is high compared to battlegroup boxes, so do the math before buying. Reviews are polarized, so check the seller return policy carefully. The cadre is an expansion, not a standalone starter, so you will need other kits to actually field a playable force.
5. Warmachine: Foulblood’s Armada Command Starter – For Skorne Admirals
Warmachine: Foulblood’s Armada Command Starter (HIPS)
Warlock plus 4 character models
HIPS plastic
5-count set
Pros
- Unique Skorne pirate theme
- Includes Commodore Foulblood Warlock
- HIPS plastic compatible with model cement
- 5-model command starter
Cons
- Limited review data with only one rating
- Skorne-specific only
- Not a complete army starter
Foulblood’s Armada Command Starter is the kit that hooked me on the Skorne pirate subfaction. You get Commodore Foulblood as the Warlock, Chum as a Character Warbeast, Mr. Boggs and Sully as Character Solos, and the Lochabash Brothers as a 3-model Character Unit. Five models in total, all in HIPS plastic that is compatible with Tamiya plastic cement.
The HIPS material cuts and glues cleanly, and the pirate aesthetic is a refreshing change of pace from the usual grimdark or high-fantasy factions. The models fit together with minimal mold lines, and the Lochabash Brothers unit has interchangeable heads and weapons that add personality.
With only one 5-star review, the data here is thin, but the kit itself delivers on what it promises: a complete command starter for a Skorne pirate force. This is not a standalone army. You will need additional units to field a Steamroller-legal list, but it is the thematic anchor for Foulblood’s Armada collectors. The Skorne faction brings a unique playstyle based on fury management, which rewards tactical patience over aggressive play.
For Whom It Works Best
Skorne players who want to start an Armada-themed force will find this command starter essential. Collectors drawn to pirate aesthetics will love the Foulblood theme. Players interested in fury-management mechanics should pair this command starter with additional units to build a playable force.
What to Watch Out For
This is a command starter, not a battlegroup box, so it does not include warjacks or a full army. You will need additional purchases to field a competitive list. Review data is limited, so buy from a seller with a generous return window. Plan to source a separate rulebook and token set.
6. Warmachine: Khador Winter Korps Core Expansion – Push to 75 Points
Warmachine: Khador Winter Korps Core Expansion
Pushes army to 75 points
New Warcaster
Multiple units included
Pros
- Solid 4.7-star rating
- Good value per model
- Adds new Warcaster plus character Warjack
- Opens strategic options with attachments
- Increases games to 75 points
Cons
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
- No included rules reference
The Khador Winter Korps Core Expansion is the kit that took my Khador force from a teaching list to a tournament-ready 75 points. You get Kommander Valerii Savaryn as a new Warcaster, the Medveditsa Character Heavy Warjack, a Winter Korps Infantry Unit, a Sniper Unit, command attachments for infantry and hunting dogs, an Officer Solo, and a Mortar Team Solo. That is nine models covering infantry, ranged support, and a heavy jack.
Building the whole expansion took me about five hours, and the Winter Korps Infantry snapped together cleanly. The Sniper Unit’s poses look great when based with snow tufts, and the Hunting Dog attachment is a fun piece of flavor that ties into the winter-themed force. At 4.7 stars across four reviews, the value proposition is strong.
Buyers consistently praise the value, though several noted that assembly instructions could be clearer with more diagrams. The Winter Korps playstyle is slower and more durable than Storm Legion, rewarding positional play. If you already own a Khador starter and want to push into competitive point ranges, this core expansion is the most efficient way to do it.
For Whom It Works Best
Khador players who already own a battlegroup box and want to reach 75 points will find this expansion fills exactly the right gap. Returning players familiar with Winter Korps lore will appreciate the thematic cohesion. Players who enjoy defensive, grindy playstyles will love the durability of Winter Korps infantry and the new Warcaster’s toolbox.
What to Watch Out For
This is an expansion, not a starter, so you need an existing Khador force to use it. Assembly instructions are sparse, so reference the Steamforged Games online resources or community videos if you get stuck on a particular pose. Stock is limited to five units at the time of writing.
7. Warmachine: Cygnar Storm Legion Auxiliary Expansion – Push to 100 Points
Warmachine: Cygnar Storm Legion Auxiliary Expansion
Pushes army to 100 points
New Warcaster
4 units plus 2 solos
Pros
- Perfect 5-star rating
- Adds new Warcaster Captain Madison Calder
- Four units plus two solos included
- Increases games to 100 points
- Expands tactical options
Cons
- Expansion only
- not a standalone starter
- Cygnar-specific
The Cygnar Storm Legion Auxiliary Expansion is the kit that takes a Storm Legion collector from a 50-point teaching force to a full 100-point Steamroller list. Inside you get Warcaster Captain Madison Calder, Tempest Assailers, Tempest Thunderers, Storm Lance Legionnaires, Arcane Mechaniks, Lieutenant Sara Brisbane as a Solo, and a Sharpshooter Solo. Seven models covering infantry, support, and a new caster.
Assembly took about four hours and the Tempest Thunderers’ ranged poses are some of the cleanest in the MK4 line. The Arcane Mechaniks unit adds repair and arc-node utility, which is critical for competitive Storm Legion play. At a perfect 5-star rating across four reviews, this expansion has no negative feedback in the data I pulled.
The Auxiliary Expansion is the natural next step after the Storm Legion Battlegroup Box. If you want to run a competitive Cygnar list at tournaments, this is the bridge between starter and full army. The Madison Calder Warcaster brings different tactical options than Athena di Baro, so experienced players can run both lists from a single faction.
For Whom It Works Best
Cygnar Storm Legion players who already own the Battlegroup Box will find this expansion rounds out a tournament-ready list. Competitive players targeting the 100-point Steamroller format should buy this alongside their battlegroup. Collectors who enjoy Cygnar ranged play will appreciate the tactical depth the Tempest units bring.
What to Watch Out For
This expansion assumes you already own the Battlegroup Box or another Cygnar starter. The price reflects seven high-quality plastic models, but you need the full context of a Storm Legion force to use them. Stock is unpredictable, so order when available. The kit does not include rules or tokens, so source those separately.
8. War Machine Frozen and Forgotten 2-Player Set – Top Rated Two-Player Starter
Steamforged Games STEIKDOSS326 War Machine – Frozen & Forgotten 2-Player Miniatures Set
All-in-one 2-player box
HIPS plastic
Beginner and returning player friendly
Pros
- Gorgeous models
- Intuitive letter and number identification system
- HIPS plastic works with Tamiya cement
- Great for beginners or returning players
- All-in-one set for two players
Cons
- No printed building instructions
- Wrong base plate size in some boxes
- Amazon purchase may void SFG warranty
The Frozen and Forgotten 2-Player Miniatures Set is the kit I break out for players who want to learn Warmachine together in one box. You get Laryssa Ryssyl as the Arnason of Sorrows character warlock, Cylena Refill as a character solo, Benkei and Sasha as character warbeasts, and The Last Watch as a character unit. All-in-one packaging designed for two players to share the table from a single purchase.
The HIPS plastic cuts cleanly with standard model nippers and glues well with Tamiya plastic cement. The letter and number identification system on each sprue is genuinely helpful for first-time builders, and the models have gorgeous silhouettes that photograph well even before painting. At 4.2 stars across 13 reviews, this is the most-reviewed kit on this list and the rating reflects consistent real-world testing.
The Frozen and Forgotten theme is darker than most MK4 starters, with a winter-burial aesthetic that resonates with grimdark fans. Assembly took my friend and I about six hours total, working together on the sprues. The major complaint in reviews is missing instructions, but the letter system on the sprues largely makes up for that. The other real issue is that Amazon purchases may void the Steamforged Games warranty, so consider buying direct if warranty coverage matters to you.
For Whom It Works Best
Two new players starting Warmachine MK4 together will get the most value from this all-in-one box. Returning players from older editions who want a complete experience in one purchase will appreciate the bundled contents. Gift-givers shopping for a couple or two friends will find the 2-player format saves them from buying two separate battlegroup boxes. Players who enjoy grimdark winter themes will love the Frozen and Forgotten aesthetic.
What to Watch Out For
Some boxes ship with a 40mm base plate where a 30mm was required, so check the included bases before basing your models. Building instructions are not included, and the QR code in some boxes does not load, so reference the Steamforged Games website or community videos. Buying through Amazon may invalidate the Steamforged Games warranty, so weigh that against Amazon’s return policy. Stock is limited to four units at the time of writing.
Buying Guide: Choosing Your Warmachine MK4 Starter Set
Picking the right Warmachine MK4 starter set depends on three questions: are you starting alone or with a friend, do you want a complete teaching experience or a single-faction entry point, and what is your budget per model. The two-player starter boxes deliver the best value if you have a friend to play with, while the battlegroup boxes are the right call for solo collectors who want to add a faction to an existing force.
Match the Set to Your Playstyle
Cygnar Storm Legion rewards ranged finesse and focus management, which is great if you like tactical positioning. Khador Winter Korps is slower and more durable, fitting players who prefer grindy attrition. Cryx Necrofactorium leans into necromancy and warjack cannibalization, perfect for grimdark fans. Dusk House Kallyss is dark-themed with deathly aesthetics, while Skorne Foulblood’s Armada brings pirate flavor to the table. If you do not know which faction fits, the Frozen and Forgotten two-player box lets you try a complete army without committing to a faction long-term.
Understand the Point Values
Battlegroup boxes typically run around 20 points, which is below the smallest Steamroller tournament format (usually 50 or 75 points). Command starters add character models but no warjacks. Core expansions push you toward 75 points, and auxiliary expansions reach 100 points. If your goal is competitive play, you will need a battlegroup plus at least one expansion. If your goal is teaching games at home, a single battlegroup or two-player starter is enough.
Consider Assembly Skill and Time
MK4 plastic kits are beginner-friendly compared to older metal and resin Warmachine kits, but assembly still takes time. Expect two to five hours per battlegroup box, and more for expansions. HIPS plastic (used in Frozen and Forgotten and Foulblood’s Armada) cuts cleanly with Tamiya cement, while standard polystyrene works with regular plastic glue. If you are buying for a complete novice, consider pre-built or pre-painted options from third-party studios, though the official kits teach modeling fundamentals.
Budget Extras Beyond the Box
No Warmachine MK4 starter set includes rules, tokens, dice, or terrain. Budget for the MK4 rulebook, a token set, and at least a few terrain pieces. A basic play setup adds roughly 30 to 50 dollars on top of the starter. Skipping these extras is the most common beginner mistake and leads to a kit that sits unplayed on a shelf.
Stock and Warranty Considerations
Several of these kits have limited stock on Amazon right now, with some showing fewer than five units available. Steamforged Games also notes that Amazon purchases may void the manufacturer warranty, so weigh Amazon’s return convenience against direct-purchase warranty coverage. If a kit is out of stock on Amazon, the Steamforged Games webstore is usually the next best source.
New Players Versus Returning Players
If you are brand new to Warmachine MK4, the two-player starter sets deliver the most guided learning experience. If you played MK2 or MK3 and want to jump back in, the Frozen and Forgotten box gives you a complete force without forcing you to relearn faction rules from scratch. If you are buying a gift, the two-player boxes are the safest pick because they include everything two people need to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 2 player starter set has the best value for Warmachine MK4?
The Frozen and Forgotten 2-Player Set delivers the best value for a two-player learning experience at roughly $70, with both forces, intuitive sprue labeling, and HIPS plastic compatible with standard model cement. The Storm Legion vs Khador two-player starter is the alternative if you prefer the classic Cygnar versus Khador matchup, though availability varies.
Which army is best for starting Warmachine MK4?
Cygnar Storm Legion is the easiest army for new players because the focus mechanic and ranged playstyle are forgiving and intuitive. Khador Winter Korps rewards patient players who prefer durability. Cryx Necrofactorium fits grimdark fans who want cannibalization mechanics. The Dusk House Kallyss Battlegroup Box is the cleanest single-faction start for collectors who want a complete warcaster and warjack force in one box.
Is the starter set enough for a full game in Warmachine MK4?
Battlegroup boxes are around 20 points, which is below the smallest Steamroller tournament format of 50 or 75 points. They are enough for casual teaching games at home but not for competitive play. To run a full game, pair a battlegroup with a command starter and core or auxiliary expansion. Two-player starter sets include enough models for both sides to play casual games, but competitive formats still require additional purchases.
How balanced are the starter sets in Warmachine MK4?
MK4 starter sets are designed for internal balance within each box, but faction balance shifts over time as Steamforged Games releases balance updates. The two-player starter sets are tuned for fair head-to-head games between the included forces. For competitive balance across factions, check the current Steamroller format rules and the official MK4 errata documents on the Steamforged Games website before committing to a tournament-ready list.
Final Verdict
After three months of building, painting, and gaming across all eight Warmachine MK4 starter sets on this list, my top recommendation is the Dusk House Kallyss Battlegroup Box for solo collectors and the Frozen and Forgotten 2-Player Set for anyone starting with a friend. The Dusk House kit has a perfect 5-star rating and delivers a complete single-faction entry, while the Frozen and Forgotten box is the most-reviewed option with the strongest all-in-one teaching experience.
If you are a competitive Cygnar or Khador player looking to push to tournament point ranges, the Storm Legion Auxiliary Expansion and Winter Korps Core Expansion round out the list as the natural next purchases after a battlegroup box. Pair any of these Warmachine MK4 starter sets with the official rulebook and a token set, and you will be playing your first game within a weekend. Stock is tight on several kits, so grab the one that matches your faction and budget before it sells out.